Newington Pharmacy has had its contract suspended for six months by the NHS due to an ongoing police investigation.

The pharmacy can no longer provide any NHS pharmacy services, including dispensing prescriptions, however they can continue to trade.

The suspension comes after the pharmacy was raided by police and NHS fraud investigators on January 11.

Officers were seen going in and out of the shop all day and placing bags in a police van.

Spokesman for NHS England South Nicola Hawdon said: “We have suspended the contract for the Newington Pharmacy for six months due to the ongoing police investigation. During this period, the pharmacy will not be able to provide any NHS pharmacy services which includes the dispensing of prescriptions.”

“However, patients can access alternative pharmacies across Ramsgate. It would be inappropriate to comment further whilst the investigation is ongoing.”

Two men and a woman at the pharmacy were arrested on suspicion of defrauding the NHS after the raid.

They were released on bail until April pending further inquiries.